Operation North Royalton Cares wraps up another successful drive

NORTH ROYALTON: Even after this year’s Operation North Royalton Cares program was done collecting and distributing school supplies to needy families, Dan Langshaw was still getting calls from families in need.

It’s yet more proof that the program is working, and needed.

Langshaw said 93 students (38 families) were helped this year, the best numbers yet for the third-year program.

“The need has not changed, it has grown,” said Langshaw, a member of the North Royalton Board of Education since 2009. “That’s a sign that the economy is still recovering. But it’s good that we do this in our own backyard.”

The program helped 79 students (35 families) last year, but started later in the summer. This time, Langshaw and co-organizer The Office on Aging and Human Services got started earlier, allowing for more lead-in time prior to the school year.

Residents were able to donate school supplies at various locations around the city July 30-Aug. 10. Then, families that qualified for assistance through an application process were able to receive supplies Aug. 13-15.

Backpacks to markers to rulers, as well as technology supplies such as USB drives and calculators, were in demand. The program even accepted gift cards to retailers that sell school supplies.

“I had a chance, as I was dropping off supplies at different locations, to get to see all the supplies that we had,” said Langshaw. “It was just amazing the number we collected. We really appreciate everyone involved. It’s really rewarding.”

Families interested in learning more about Operation North Royalton Cares and other programs offered by the city can contact the Office on Aging and Human Services at 440-582-6333.

Follow Us

cleveland.com is powered by Plain Dealer Publishing Co. and Northeast Ohio Media Group. All rights reserved (About Us).The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Northeast Ohio Media Group LLC.